2 Days in Venice Itinerary: What to see, do and eat in the Floating City
The perfect 2 day Venice itinerary: top things to see and do, what to eat, hidden gems and tips to enjoy this city as much as possible.
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Venice is a place full of charm and surprises, where even a short visit can turn into something special. With just 2 days, you’ll have time to see the most iconic sights, enjoy good food and discover a few quieter corners where this city shows its softer side.
In this guide, you’ll find a complete 2-days Venice itinerary with everything you need to know: what to see, where to go, what to eat and how to make the most of your time in the Floating City.
When to Visit Venice?
The best time to visit Venice is in spring (April to June) or in autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, the light is beautiful and the city is less crowded than in summer.
If you’re going between late October and January, be aware it’s acqua alta season. High tides can flood parts of the city (especially St. Mark’s Square), but it doesn’t happen every day and Venice is used to it. Locals just put on boots and carry on.
For something a bit more special, plan a visit during Carnival in February. The whole city fills with masks, costumes and music: it’s a colourful, surreal experience that feels straight out of a storybook.
The Perfect Itinerary to Visit Venice in 2 Days
With just 2 days in Venice, the trick is to make the most of your time, but without rushing. This city is made to be explored slowly, on foot or by boat, with time to stop for a spritz, get lost in the quiet streets or simply enjoy the panorama.
The following itinerary is designed to help you see the most iconic sights, discover local favorites and get a real taste of Venice in just 48 hours. You’ll find a mix of must-see landmarks, hidden corners and plenty of delicious food along the way.
Day 1 - The Classics: From St. Mark’s to the Grand Canal
Begin your first day with breakfast at a traditional pastry shop. Marchini Time and Pasticceria Da Bonifacio are both great choices: they are just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square.
After the breakfast stop, head straight to Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice. This famous square is where you can find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
You don't have to miss a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, a beautiful well-known church with golden mosaics, marble details and lots of history. If you can, go up to the terrace for great views over the square. Inside, don’t miss the Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece full of precious stones.
Right next to the basilica, there is the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower. Take the elevator to the top for an amazing view over Venice’s rooftops and canals: it’s totally worth it.
Next, visit the Doge’s Palace, once the home of Venice’s rulers. It’s full of rooms, impressive artworks and secret corners. The visit also takes you through the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners had one last look at Venice before being taken to the jail.
To save time and skip long lines, it’s a good idea to buy your ticket online in advance or join a guided tour that includes both the palace and the basilica.
By now, you’ll probably be ready for a break. Our suggestions are: Ai Do Leoni, which offers quick bites, and Osteria Enoteca San Marco, that is perfect if you want to sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal with a glass of wine.
In the afternoon, take a slower pace and enjoy Venice by foot. Begin your walk along Riva degli Schiavoni, the wide promenade by the water, perfect for taking photos and enjoying the view across the lagoon.
Continue to the charming Libreria Acqua Alta, one of the most unusual bookshops in the World, with books stacked in bathtubs, gondolas and even forming a staircase.
Keep going by exploring the quiet streets of the Castello district. This area is less touristy and gives you a feel of the real local Venice.
As the sun starts to come down, it’s time for a classic gondola ride. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also magical. We recommend choosing a quieter canal for a more intimate experience.
And finally, end your first day in Venice with a romantic dinner by the water. Try Ca’ Dolfin or Terrazza Danieli if you want a beautiful setting and great Venetian dishes.
Day 2 - Art, Local Life and a Vaporetto Ride
For the morning of your second day in Venice, you can choose between two iconic spots:
- The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum housed in a beautiful palazzo along the Grand Canal, featuring works by Picasso, Dalí and Kandinsky.
- Or Teatro La Fenice, one of the most famous opera houses in the World, with elegant interiors and a fascinating history.
When you'll finish with your first stop, walk over to the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, located right at the edge of the Grand Canal. You can also climb to the dome for one of the best views of the city.
Before lunch, make sure to stop by the Ponte dell’Accademia. It may not be the fanciest bridge in Venice, but the view over the canal with gondolas, palaces and the basilica in the background is simply unforgettable.
At this point, it's time for a lunch break. Here are a few great places nearby that we totally recommend:
- Trattoria ai Cugnai - a cozy, local place with traditional Venetian dishes;
- Agli Alboretti - a peaceful spot with a lovely courtyard;
- Corner Pub - ideal for a quick bite or a casual lunch.
In the early afternoon, hop on a vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus. Line 1 or 2 takes you along the Grand Canal, passing under bridges and between historic palaces. It’s the cheapest way to enjoy a boat ride surrounded by amazing views.
Get off at the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge of the city. Cross it slowly, enjoy the views and take some photos from both sides. You can also explore the nearby Rialto Market, full of local flavors.
If you have time (and energy), take a short walk to visit the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a spiral staircase hidden in a quiet courtyard. It's a little gem that’s still off from the main tourist path.
For the rest of the day, you can choose between a few great options:
- Explore Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto, one of the most authentic and peaceful areas in Venice, with local shops, bakeries and quiet canals.
- Or take a trip to the nearby islands:
- Murano, famous for its glass-making tradition. You can take part in some workshops and watch live glass-blowing in old furnaces.
- Burano, known for its bright, colorful houses and handmade lace. It’s a great place for photos and a peaceful walk.
And, finally, end your second day with a truly local experience: with an aperitivo and some cicchetti (small Venetian snacks). Two great places to try are:
- Al Timon - a lively bar with canal-side tables and delicious bites;
- Bacarando Corte dell’Orso - great selection of traditional cicchetti and wine.
Where to Stay in Venice?
Venice is small and walkable, so no matter where you stay, you'll be able to reach the main sights easily on foot or by vaporetto:
- San Marco is the most central area, perfect if you want to be close to the main attractions like St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal. Keep in mind, it’s also the most touristy and expensive area.
- Dorsoduro is a great choice if you're looking for a more authentic vibe. It's quieter, full of art galleries and local restaurants. It's also still very central.
- Cannaregio is one of the most peaceful areas of Venice. It’s a bit further from the tourist crowds, but still well-connected. Ideal if you want a slower, more local feel.
Here are some of our recommendations for different budgets:
- AO Hostel Venezia Mestre - Technically located in Mestre, but a great option if you're looking to save money and don't mind taking a quick bus or train to reach the city-center.
- Hotel Al Malcanton - A charming hotel in Dorsoduro, close to everything, but tucked away in a quiet street.
- Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal - A beautiful 4-star hotel with classic decor and a rooftop bar overlooking the canal.
Wherever you decide to stay, ensure to book early: Venice is a popular destination all year round and the best spots fill up very quickly.
How to Get to Venice and Move Around
Getting to Venice is easy, whether you’re arriving by plane, train or car. However, you must remember that the historic center has no cars or roads, only canals and walking paths.
✈️ Arriving by Plane
If you're flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport, you have several ways to reach the city:
- Vaporetto (water bus) - The Alilaguna line takes you directly from the airport to different parts of Venice. It’s scenic and fairly affordable.
- Water taxi - A more expensive, but private and stylish option. Perfect if you’re carrying luggage or staying near a canal.
- Bus or land taxi - You can also take a bus (or taxi) to Piazzale Roma, which is the closest point to Venice reachable by car. From there, continue on foot or by vaporetto.
🚆 Arriving by Train
If you’re coming from another Italian city, take a train to Venezia Santa Lucia, the main station on the island. Once you step outside, you’ll be right on the Grand Canal, ready to explore the Floating City!
🛥️ Getting Around Venice
The best way to move around Venice is on foot. The city is compact and getting lost in its narrow streets is part of the fun.
For longer distances, use the vaporetto (public water bus). It runs along the Grand Canal connecting all the major areas and islands like Murano and Burano.
- A single ticket costs 9,50 € and is valid for 75 minutes.
- If you plan to use the vaporetto multiple times, a day pass is a better deal:
- 24-hour pass: 25 €
- 48-hour pass: 35 €
- 72-hour pass: 45 €
You can buy tickets directly at vaporetto stops or online. Just don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding!
Tips to Enjoy Venice in 2 Days
- Wear comfy shoes - You’ll walk a lot in Venice, so comfortable shoes will make a big difference.
- Book tickets in advance - For popular sights like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace, booking online saves you time and helps skipping the long lines.
- Avoid restaurants right in St. Mark’s Square - They’re usually expensive and not the best quality. Just walk a few minutes away to find better food and prices.
- Stay connected with a travel eSIM - Venice’s little alleys can be tricky to navigate, so having internet on the go is super helpful. We recommend using a travel eSIM like Saily or Airalo, both are easy to activate and work great across all Italy.
Conclusion
Two days in Venice might pass quickly, but they’re enough to fall in love with this amazing city. From famous places like St. Mark’s Basilica to quiet canals and delicious food, Venice is really full of charm.
Take it slow, enjoy walking around and don’t stress about seeing everything: sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t plan. Whether it’s your first visit or the tenth, the Floating City always has something special waiting for you.
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